ByRepresentatives Thai, Thomas, Zahn, Richards, Mena, Pollet, Wylie, Taylor, Reed, Farivar, Tharinger, Fitzgibbon, Walen, Nance, Cortes, Timmons, Berg, Ryu, Street, Callan, Obras, Salahuddin, Bernbaum, Macri, Fey, Ramel, and Parshley

WHEREAS, On this 29th day of January in 2025, the people of the great state of Washington unite to celebrate Lunar New Year, joining to distinguish Asian American joy, cultures, and beautiful diversity; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years, first recorded in the 200s BC and begins on the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar; and

WHEREAS, This year is designated as the Year of the Snake, an animal characterized by transformation, renewal, and growth, bringing symbols of adaptability and prosperity to the year; and

WHEREAS, Washington acknowledges both the rich heritage and historical trauma of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander ancestors; and

WHEREAS, We deeply appreciate the many contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities that have made Washington a vibrant place for us all to call home, through building and supporting their communities despite the persistent discriminations and violence they may have faced in the past and present; and

WHEREAS, The history of Asian Americans in the United States is marked by exclusion and prejudice, from the Chinese Exclusion Act to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the scars of these events still resonate today; and

WHEREAS, Despite these challenges, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have enriched our nation with countless contributions in science, technology, arts, and culture, weaving themselves into the very fabric of Washington; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing and celebrating Lunar New Year affirms the value of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and fosters a deeper understanding of our diverse traditions, sending a signal to future generations that their heritage is respected and celebrated; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, legislation was passed in Washington state to establish Lunar New Year as a state-recognized holiday, sending a clear message that inclusion matters; and

WHEREAS, We highlight the solidarity and strength of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities rooted in the culture that respects its ancestry and supports its descendants; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is a time to reflect, to celebrate family and community, and to learn and understand the past as we look towards renewal and growth; and

WHEREAS, We step into the Year of the Snake not just as individuals, but as a family united in compassion and community stewardship;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives stand with the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in times of crisis and in times of celebration, we come together now to reflect on the year past and envision new beginnings in acknowledgment of the Lunar New Year; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Lunar New Year sends a message of hope and unity, reaffirming our commitment to creating a nation where every individual feels valued and respected, and where the dark chapters of our past serve as reminders of the future for which we must strive.